June 14, 2010

Orange Lip Color 101: Yes, You Can! Here's How.

While there's simply no such thing as having too many lipsticks - after all, my own lipstick carousel resembles a grown-up’s version of the Crayola crayons mega-pack - I must, however, confess that until now, the color orange has been conspicuously absent from my fabulously-hued collection of couleur pour les lèvres.

The First Law of Makeup clearly states that if the words "orange" and "makeup" are uttered together, unspeakable things occur. And yet, it graced the Fall 2010 Chanel Haute Couture runways as a pinky-coral (Rouge Allure Genial); has been seen on ScarJo for some time now (nab her look with MAC Morange, NARS semi-matte Heat Wave, YSL’s Rouge Volupte in Orange Shiver, or Rouge d'Armani in 401); and that thrill-seeker Rihanna beat us all to it with lips brighter than anything under Florida sun. (Fortunately, she wears it well.)

So, darlings, what to do about orange lipstick?

Luckily, orange runs the gamut from a peachy femme lusciousness to strong shades more suited for a Yo Gabba Gabba Muno camouflage, meaning there's something for everyone - even you!

How? Just follow these simple guidelines:

RULE ONE: When you’re wearing something with the intensity of a flashing police siren on your lips, do tone it down a bit elsewhere.

RULE TWO: With your lips in the spotlight, keep your eyes simple in colors that play well with orange, such as tawny browns, neutral beiges and brownish plums. Or even a pale gold eye, like Sienna Miller, who nailed it here. To get her look, try Topshop Amazon Crayon in Sun Shower, CoverGirl Eye Enhancers Eye Shadow in Golden Sunrise, and Milani lip color in Orange Gina. SPECIAL NOTE TO ANY JERSEY GIRLS: If you're going to rock an orange lip, just say no to a smokey eye. Besides, it's summer, give your charcoal greys, blacks and saturated blues the season off...and your pinks and maroons while you’re at it. And no sniffling. After all, no one said that beauty was easy; if it was everyone would be doing it, now wouldn’t they?

RULE THREE: Unless you plan to moonlight as a birthday party clown, either layer gloss over your orange lip color, or, at the very least, choose a moist and creamy formula. Still seems altogether too orange? Add a bit of your fave red and blend. Trust us, you can do it!

RULE FOUR: Orange lipstick looks fabu with a tan – take a look at Selena Gomez. If you happen to have dark or olive skin or perhaps a naturally-tanned complexion you can wear the brighter coral
shades and even venture into Rihanna day-glo territory if you
please. For the rest of us fair or pink-toned types, first dust on bronzer to get the look. Tastefully applied, of course. We love Soleil Tan de Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder. Expensive, yes, but a little bit goes a long way.

RULE FIVE: If you're still struggling with the orangeness of it all, follow the lead of the She Grail of the Holy Lips, Angelina Jolie. Her pillowy kisser is already such a statement accessory, there's no need to gild the lily. Start subtly with the sheer simplicity of Chantecaille’s peachy natural shade, Charm, which works...well, like a charm.

Comments

Orange Lip Color 101: Yes, You Can! Here's How.

While there's simply no such thing as having too many lipsticks - after all, my own lipstick carousel resembles a grown-up’s version of the Crayola crayons mega-pack - I must, however, confess that until now, the color orange has been conspicuously absent from my fabulously-hued collection of couleur pour les lèvres.

The First Law of Makeup clearly states that if the words "orange" and "makeup" are uttered together, unspeakable things occur. And yet, it graced the Fall 2010 Chanel Haute Couture runways as a pinky-coral (Rouge Allure Genial); has been seen on ScarJo for some time now (nab her look with MAC Morange, NARS semi-matte Heat Wave, YSL’s Rouge Volupte in Orange Shiver, or Rouge d'Armani in 401); and that thrill-seeker Rihanna beat us all to it with lips brighter than anything under Florida sun. (Fortunately, she wears it well.)

So, darlings, what to do about orange lipstick?

Luckily, orange runs the gamut from a peachy femme lusciousness to strong shades more suited for a Yo Gabba Gabba Muno camouflage, meaning there's something for everyone - even you!